Main stem - Whitewater Region Riverwatcher
LOCAL ISSUES
Located within the scenic Ottawa Valley and bordered by the Ottawa River, the Township of Whitewater Region is known worldwide for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
The Whitewater Region Riverwatcher frequents the river almost daily, using snowshoes in the winter and kayaks or boat in the water seasons. They observe the river from Morrison Island to Waltham PQ. If you want to learn more about this region, please click here [pdf file: 0.4mb] , the Drive Tour will introduce you to some accessible natural areas in this part of Renfrew County.
If you are in the region, you should visit Westmeath Provincial Park. This park is a great bird sighting spot [pdf file: 0.42mb].
Shoreline development along the Ottawa River in the area is a concern. Many shoreline residents want to be able to see the river and have grass up to the shoreline or even create a beach without considering the repercussions to the natural environment or the cumulative effects of their actions. To learn what you can do to protect the river, please click here
Agricultural activities are also a concern on this stretch of the river. It is not unusual to see animals in the river and farmers use liquid manure (sometimes on frozen grounds). This poor practices have an important negative impact on the health of the river.
Finally, the creek in the municipality of Westmeath is a local concern. The Riverwatcher are trying to organize a shoreline clean-up with the local school. If you are interested, please contact Ev.
From left to right: John Meadow (Riverwatcher), Meredith Brown (The Riverkeeper), Delphine Hasle (Riverwatch Program Manager), and Ev St. Amour (Riverwatcher)
Contact: Evelyn St. Amour & John Meadows